On-Line Courses in Summer Begin July 6

As we continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff, the Summer 2020 term, starting Monday, July 6th, 2020, will begin on-line. With the safety of our students and staff in mind, we will continue to monitor the situation. We hope to return to our familiar classroom environment in the Fall I Term, and appreciate your support and understanding.

2020-04-25

On-Line Courses in Spring II Begin May 2

In the past six weeks, we've kept our students learning and our teachers teaching through Interactive On-Line Courses
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In the past six weeks, we've kept our students learning and our teachers teaching through Interactive On-Line Courses. These are a great opportunity to Keep On Learning. The next, Spring II Term begins May 2.

On-Line or In Person? Your choice.

This, too, shall pass. When it does, On-Line Classes will continue as a permanent option, held simultaneously with our on-site classes.

Interested in Intermediate or Advanced classes? Please call us at (323) 651-5000 for a brief placement test.

BEVERLY HILLS, California - April 08, 2020 - The COVID-19/ coronavirus pandemic has posed challenges for business large and small. At the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, the choice was simple: lock the doors for the first time in a quarter century and wait for better times, or keep students engaged and learning - and teachers and staff employed - through interactive, virtual classrooms.

“We are thrilled to announce that all our language courses are now available on-line,” said Vera Martinovic, Director of the Institute. “With 36 languages to choose from and an experienced roster of native speakers, we're offering students the opportunity to use this time to learn that language they've always wanted to speak, and to continue practicing with their peers.”

While moving hundreds of courses on-line has not been without its snags, Martinovic affirms that the response of the student body has been overwhelmingly positive. Students write in on a daily basis to express their gratitude for the respite that their on-line classes have provided from these difficult times.

“By and large, both students and teachers agree that we have retained the quality of instruction and interactivity for which we have strived over the last 24 years,” Martinovic said.

The next term at BHLI begins on Ma 2nd. At this point, the office believes that it will commence on-line, with normal service resumed once that is termed safe for students, teachers and staff.

On-line classes, however, will remain as an option.

“We've already had a number of requests for our new on-line service to continue, when things go back to normal,” said Martinovic. “Many of our students see this as a way to beat the L.A. traffic.”

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Founded in 1996, the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute has grown to serve thousands of language students, from beginners, to intermediate and advanced learners. Billed as Southern California's Premier Language Center, BHLI offers daytime and evening language classes for adults and children, in more than 35 languages, from the Beginner through Advanced levels.

We're also gratified by your comments, which suggest that we have retained the quality of instruction and interactivity for which we have strived over the last 24 years.

The next (Spring II) Term will begin on May 2nd.

At this point, we believe that it will commence on-line, with normal service resumed once that is termed safe for students, teachers and staff.

This week, current students will receive a separate e-Mail with a tailored link to the Registration page on our website. Your next scheduled Spring II class will be filled in. If you wish to continue, please fill out the form. Confirmation of your registration will be sent promptly.

Alternately, let your teacher know during class that you would like to re-enroll, or drop us a line at info@bhlingual.com.

This, too, shall pass, and we look forward to seeing you all again at 8383 Wilshire when it does.

In the meantime, we're truly inspired by the vibrant enthusiasm you have shown for your teachers and classes. On behalf of all of us here at the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, thank you.

An Important Update from BHLingual

At the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, we take the safety and health of our students and staff very seriously
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At the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, we take the safety and health of our students and staff very seriously. The Institute has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our students and employees in response to the concerns of the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak.

One Winter, four thousand years ago...

One winter, four thousand years ago, a monster called 'Nian' (nee-UHN) attacked a Chinese village
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One winter, four thousand years ago, a monster called 'Nian' (nee-UHN) attacked a Chinese village.

At first, everyone was afraid.

Then, they discovered that Nian feared loud noises, the color red, and bright lights. To keep Nian away, the people painted the doors of their houses red. They built fires and set off firecrackers until the beast ran away from the village.

The office will re-open on Thursday, January 2nd, 2020. Our working hours will be from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm from Thursday, January 2nd until Saturday, January 4th, after which regular hours will resume.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. We look forward to serving you in the New Year!

2019-11-27

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

We'll be closed for Thanksgiving from Wednesday, November 27th through Sunday, December 1st... (more)

We'll be closed for Thanksgiving from Wednesday, November 27th through Sunday, December 1st. We're back on Monday, December 2nd.

2019-10-23

Grab a Friend and Try Something New this Fall

Start living your best life today and seek a new adventure! Our 8-week Fall II Term begins this Saturday (October 26th)
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The office will re-open on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019. Our working hours will be from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm from Wednesday, January 2nd until Friday, January 4th, after which regular hours will resume.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. We look forward to serving you in the New Year!

Spend just an evening per week learning a new language and open the door to new opportunities and self-growth.

2018-08-28

*Early Bird* 9 AM Classes

The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute is pleased to announce that *Early Bird* Beginner (Beg I) classes in French, Italian, and Spanish will be held at 9 AM on Wednesdays, beginning with the upcoming Fall I 2018 term.

The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute is pleased to announce that *Early Bird* Beginner (Beg I) classes in French, Italian, and Spanish will be held at 9 AM on Wednesdays, beginning with the upcoming Fall I 2018 term.

2018-08-22

Learn Spanish... and Visit Spain!

Andalusia, in southern Spain, is an enchanting place
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Andalusia, in southern Spain, is an enchanting place. It's positively magical if you know a little Spanish.

A Summer of Immersion

Traveling this summer? Let our native teachers open the door a little wider before your trip. You'll more quickly and confidently explore new cultures, creating the memories of a lifetime.

Staying in L.A.? A vacation isn't the only way to make a foreign language and culture a part of your life. The Summer Term has just begun, and there's still time to sign up! Each Group Class is Limited to 10 Students.

Happy National Nachos Day!

Happy Halloween!

Welcome New Students!

A new term has begun! Classes are limited to 10 students, so if you've been thinking about learning a language, we invite you to reserve your spot while we're still accepting on-line registrations for Fall II
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A new term has begun! Classes are limited to 10 students, so if you've been thinking about learning a language, we invite you to reserve your spot while we're still accepting on-line registrations for Fall II. Welcome, new students - and welcome back, those continuing to learn with us!

2017-08-29

Yesterday's Website Issues - Sorry!

Our apologies for the issues which plagued our website yesterday; in particular, those related to on-line registration for next term
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Our apologies for the issues which plagued our website yesterday; in particular, those related to on-line registration for next term. Our hosting provider is upgrading their servers. We have been assured that the problem will not recur.

2017-08-08

Secure On-Line Registration

At the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, we take your security and privacy very seriously
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At the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, we take your security and privacy very seriously. All transactions on our Class Registration Page use industry-standard encryption techniques - a 256-bit Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate - to ensure that your personal information is protected.

Registration is open for the coming Fall I term, which begins September 5th, 2017.

2017-04-17

Intensive Travel Classes

Travel and language were made for each other
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Travel and language were made for each other. Either is more enjoyable and worthwhile when paired with the other.

May is the month to plan your summer vacation, and what better way to prepare for your trip than to brush up on some phrases?

In as little as one month, our teachers will introduce you to their native language so that you can feel confident exploring new cultures and creating the memories of a lifetime.

You'll find French and Italian Travel classes on our Spring II 2017 schedule, with more to follow.

How Can You Be Successful at Keeping Your New Year's Resolution?

Each January, the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute enrolls more than 250 beginning students studying one of more than 25 language courses offered
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Each January, the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute enrolls more than 250 beginning students studying one of more than 25 language courses offered. While a New Year's resolve for self improvement may set a new student's action in motion, what fuels them to continue their language studies can be as unique as each individual.

The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute suggests that there are four things to keep in mind when learning a language:

Follow your heart: Choose the language you will love learning and using. Your resolve will be fortified by the depth of your motivation: a pending trip abroad, expanding your business into new markets, cultivating your cultural roots, or kindling relationships with neighbors, new family or in-laws. As your knowledge grows so will your connection to the language, the people and the culture.

Just a little every day: If you study ten minutes a day, you can accomplish a lot. Consistency and perseverance pays off as learning a language is a building process. Spend the time not only memorizing new vocabulary and practicing grammar, but also having fun with the language by formulating little conversations, translating whatever you can in the world around you.

Seize the opportunity: Avail yourself of the wealth of opportunities in Los Angeles to immerse oneself in any one of an extraordinary array of languages. Television, radio, films, restaurants, festivals, newspapers, neighborhood streets all present possibilities to at least listen and absorb, if not also speak and practice. The internet also provides a direct line to resources in the language of your choice. Of course, conversing with friends and family is the very best local immersion.

Stick to it: By attending class once a week for a single year, you will build a solid foundation of vocabulary, grammar, idioms and cultural knowledge through active conversation, practice and review. Your teacher has the expertise to lead and encourage you through a well-structured, dynamic curriculum which will take you from the Beginning I to Advanced, but your tenacity is the key—the key to a new world, rich with new possibilities. A year of weekly classes accumulates into a greater knowledge that opens doors.

2016-12-05

Under New Management

Sometimes a small change can make a big difference.

Sometimes a small change can make a big difference.

2010-01-01

Giada's Cooking Show

The Food Network show 'Giada at Home' uses the The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute on location
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The Food Network show 'Giada at Home' uses the The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute on location. Giada decides to prepare a very special Italian meal for two of her friends who are attending Italian classes at the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute. Sandra and Diana are treated to a true Italian feast. The show will air in early 2010.

2009-10-02

LA Weekly - Best of LA 2009

Best Foreign Tongue-Twisting: On a typical weekday evening, students of all ages stream into the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, pick up some cookies or pretzels and a cup of tea or coffee, and head off to one of several classrooms to learn one of the 27 languages offered, from Arabic to Vietnamese
... (more)

Best Foreign Tongue-Twisting: On a typical weekday evening, students of all ages stream into the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, pick up some cookies or pretzels and a cup of tea or coffee, and head off to one of several classrooms to learn one of the 27 languages offered, from Arabic to Vietnamese. Classes are small, teachers are native speakers, and the feeling is collegial and warm... BHLI has the aura of a busy international plaza.

2004-12-08

How Can You Be Successful at Keeping Your New Year's Resolution?

Each January, the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute enrolls more than 250 beginning students studying one of more than 25 language courses offered
... (more)

Each January, the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute enrolls more than 250 beginning students studying one of more than 25 language courses offered. While a New Year's resolve for self improvement may set a new student's action in motion, Dr. Karin Fallon, Director of the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, has found that what fuels them to continue their language studies can be as unique as each individual.

'At the New Year, our school always grows by 15 percent which is more than any other single term,' says Dr. Fallon, Director of the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute. 'All who embark upon learning a language are aware that such an endeavor requires diligence, passion and tenacity. Yet for the more than 550 students that continue language studies, their drive toward an ever-deepening knowledge of the language seems to spring from other imperatives.'

As an example, six of the original 10 students in the Institute's Monday French class who began 2004 knowing hardly a word of French, have now progressed to the Intermediate II level. As they enter their second year of study, their resolutions have transformed into true resolve, inspired by their fellow students, their teacher, and by the learning environment.

Sara Dash's husband gave her a gift certificate for a BHLI language course as a Christmas present – perfect timing to start the New Year. 'French is the most beautiful language, and my motivation for learning French is to become a more well-rounded person.'

Geri Arnais is preparing for her move to Marrakesh, Morocco. 'I'm afraid if I stop, I won't continue to learn French on my own. I need this class to keep learning. We have such a wonderful time.'

Nell Taylor-Woods spoke French as a child but lost the language as she grew older. 'It's an exciting class and makes me want to learn more.'

Aniko Tuzko decided to learn French in order to converse with her best friend's family at the annual holiday festivities. 'After twenty years of longing to learn French, I'm finally doing it.'

Gabriella Keller was equally inspired by the Institute's ubiquitous and colorful flyers and her instructor's pledge that she could attain fluency if she stuck to it for two years. 'It's always been a great desire to speak French.'

Bunny Stivers is learning French to fight off old age. 'I have two things I want to accomplish before I leave this life: go back to the piano and learn to speak French.'

The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute suggests there are four things to keep in mind when learning a language:

Follow your heart: Choose the language you will love learning and using. Your resolve will be fortified by the depth of your motivation: a pending trip abroad, expanding your business into new markets, cultivating your cultural roots, or kindling relationships with neighbors, new family or in-laws. As your knowledge grows so will your connection to the language, the people and the culture.

Just a little every day: If you study ten minutes a day, you can accomplish a lot. Consistency and perseverance pays off as learning a language is a building process. Spend the time not only memorizing new vocabulary and practicing grammar, but also having fun with the language by formulating little conversations, translating whatever you can in the world around you.

Seize the opportunity: Avail yourself of the wealth of opportunities in Los Angeles to immerse oneself in any one of an extraordinary array of languages. Television, radio, films, restaurants, festivals, newspapers, neighborhood streets all present possibilities to at least listen and absorb, if not also speak and practice. The internet also provides a direct line to resources in the language of your choice. Of course, conversing with friends and family is the very best local immersion.

Stick to it: By attending class once a week for a single year, you will build a solid foundation of vocabulary, grammar, idioms and cultural knowledge through active conversation, practice and review. Your teacher has the expertise to lead and encourage you through a well-structured, dynamic curriculum which will take you from the Beginning I to Advanced, but your tenacity is the key—the key to a new world, rich with new possibilities. A year of weekly classes accumulates into a greater knowledge that opens doors.

2004-10-20

A Word on Greece for Post Olympic Travelers

While Greece stands at the ready for a post-Olympic upturn in tourism, visitors without some working knowledge of the language could diminish their potential experience
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While Greece stands at the ready for a post-Olympic upturn in tourism, visitors without some working knowledge of the language could diminish their potential experience. There is also concern that these travelers possibly will contribute to an advancing trend toward a more monolingual, English-speaking society, according to Karin Fallon, Director of the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute.

'Greece, a country that used to present such a barrier to U.S. tourists who could not read or speak the language, has made tremendous strides toward eliminating such difficulties for visitors,' says Fallon. 'Yet, in planning a trip to Greece or other destinations, it is important to remember that language is not merely a means of communicating with someone from another country, it is a way of embracing that country's culture. Travelers who speak only their native language, in a way isolate themselves from the literature, traditions and ideas of other peoples.'

Fallon also referred to a recent article in The Economist which noted that while multilingualism continues to be commonplace among educated people of other societies, native English-speakers need to become more competent speaking other languages.

According to John Crumlish, a current student studying French at the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute and a journalist with the Olympic News Service during the Athens games, language is not much of a hurdle to jump for visitors to Greece. 'People should not be intimidated if they don't speak Greek,' Crumlish says. 'In fact, they should be prepared for Greeks to be very forward in engaging them in conversation in English.'

Crumlish, who studied Greek phrases before his three-week stay in the country, also believes that having an understanding of the basics of the Greek language was helpful, not only as an expression of courtesy, but as a learning opportunity. 'With signs being in English and in Greek, you find yourself practicing the words,' he added. 'It serves as a reinforcement of what you've learned and a way of extending your vocabulary. Greece is an excellent place to go for someone studying the language. It is the kind of environment that encourages you to delve further.'

While Greece may have lowered the language barrier in recent years, Fallon pointed out that there remain many popular tourist destinations where a basic understanding of the written and spoken language can be a critical factor in having a positive experience. High on her list are Japan and Russia. In Japan, many Japanese do not speak English and signs, menus and shops names are in Japanese only. A similar situation exists in Russia.

'There are so many benefits to learning a language,' says Fallon. 'Not the least of which are the nonverbal aspects of communications, the opportunity to make new friends, and the chance to observe the dos and don'ts of the local culture. The more you can talk to people in their own tongue, the more information you are likely to be given about the best places to eat and visit and the more enjoyable the experience will be as a result.'

2004-11-09

Italian Proves to be a Main Course as Beverly Hills Lingual Instititute Sets Enrollment Record

The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, Los Angeles' only private language school to offer regularly scheduled classes in more than two dozen languages, has increased its enrollment by more than 30 percent from Fall 2003, it was announced today by Institute Director, Dr
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The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, Los Angeles' only private language school to offer regularly scheduled classes in more than two dozen languages, has increased its enrollment by more than 30 percent from Fall 2003, it was announced today by Institute Director, Dr. Karin Fallon. Some classes, such as Beginning Italian, have more than doubled.

'This reflects a pattern of continued growth since we opened our doors in 1996,' says Fallon. 'We outgrew our former space so, earlier this year we moved to a new, larger location. We are now two blocks from the former site, but still in the heart of the Beverly Hills downtown 'Golden Triangle.' While we have a great new facility, I feel the main reason for our growth is the quality of our instructors, texts, and guaranteed small class size. It is why we have a consistently high rate of returning students.'

EDITOR'S NOTE: Of the 700 students enrolled each term in wide variety of eight-week courses, one of the greatest percentages of growth is in the beginning level courses in Italian, which have doubled this year. Instructor Lorena Bignamini, a native of Italy, attributes the surge in interest to a number of factors. 'One reason is the political climate,' says Bignamini. 'Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi is a friend and ally of President Bush, so Italy is being viewed as a more welcoming destination by American visitors than other Western European countries. International business is also improving and we have students employed by companies that have expanded business interests in the country. Another significant reason, which surprised me, is the number of people who are buying property in Italy. I have one student who is part of a group that recently purchased an abandoned village and are now transforming it into a Yoga center.'

Prior to starting the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, Fallon, a former high school teacher with a doctorate in education administration, was director of the Lingual Institute of Philadelphia. The renowned Wharton Business School named it as best language institute in the community. This new venture is a continuation of her successful approach of recruiting top professional, native speaking instructors (such as Ms. Bignamini), using the best of current college text books and curricula, and creating a warm and intimate environment conducive to teaching and learning.

The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute offers 32 different classes each night, with instructors and students representing more than 40 nationalities and ethnicities.

2004-10-04

Gov. Schwarzenegger's Name Should be Subject to Conservative Enunciation

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's pronunciation of California ('Cal-ee-fornia') during the 2003 Recall Election generated much public discussion on the origin and proper articulation of the word
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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's pronunciation of California ('Cal-ee-fornia') during the 2003 Recall Election generated much public discussion on the origin and proper articulation of the word. Now Karin Fallon, Director of the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, believes it is time to return the favor.

'The Governor has a wonderful sounding Austrian name that is rarely pronounced correctly,' say Fallon. 'It should be pronounced 'Schwarzen-egger,' but even the most esteemed broadcast journalists in the country are forever saying 'Schwartz-nagger.' In Austrian, the name means 'black acre,' or rich soil. Through the years, I'm sure the Governor has become weary of correcting the mispronunciation of his name. It's reflective of his campaign slogan which was simply Join Arnold.

It is a problem that appears to have followed the Governor his entire public life, Fallon noted. In his first motion picture role, the 1970 low budget feature 'Hercules In New York,' his name on the billing was changed to 'Arnold Strong' and his heavily accented voice was dubbed. Though his German accent remains, we have learned that his pronunciation of 'California' was not a mispronunciation. It is similar to the Spanish version of the word, rather than the more common American-English version which changes the vowel sounds and puts the stress on a different syllable.

'American-English mispronunciations of Spanish words are commonplace today,' she added. 'That's why the media coverage of this issue was such a healthy byproduct of the election. It educated people about language and reinforced the cultural context of the name of America's Golden State. In that same vein, as a nation of immigrants, many with uncommon sounding names, professional communicators should take the extra effort to pronounce the governor's name correctly.'

The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute is one of the leading private language schools in the country, renowned for its university style curricula, guaranteed small class size, and instructors and students representing more than 40 nationalities and ethnicities.

1999-07-12

Los Angeles Business Journal (by Sara Fisher)

What do Honda Motor Co., Giorgio Armani and the German Consulate in Los Angeles have in common?They all have sent employees to the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute to learn languages important to their respective jobs.While English may be the world's lingua franca, a rising tide of busy professionals are making time to study foreign languages in order to excel in their careers
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What do Honda Motor Co., Giorgio Armani and the German Consulate in Los Angeles have in common?

They all have sent employees to the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute to learn languages important to their respective jobs.

While English may be the world's lingua franca, a rising tide of busy professionals are making time to study foreign languages in order to excel in their careers. Tapping into that demand and catering to working adults, the Beverly Hills school has chiseled out an expanding share of a market comprised of dozens of competing private language schools that dot the Southern Californian landscape.

'Los Angeles is an incredibly international town, and is only growing more so,' said owner Karin Fallon, a former high school language teacher with a doctorate in education administration. 'We're seeing really enthusiastic students interested in learning languages, either to help them conduct business or travel abroad, or even simply for personal fulfillment.'

The Lingual Institute's reputation for quality instructors and affordable prices has steadily swelled its enrollment – not a simple feat in a crowded industry still dominated by Berlitz language schools. The Beverly Hills institute has gone from 25 students when it first opened in 1996 to 300 today, with revenue rising in direct proportion. It pulled in $150,000 in 1997, and is projecting revenues of $500,000 this year.

That rate of growth is not fast enough for Fallon, who previously ran the Philadelphia Lingual Institute in the mid-1980s. There, she did a complete makeover, hiring all new teachers, centralizing its location and changing its marketing strategies. As a result, the school grew from 125 to 460 students in 18 months.

Under Fallon's watch, Money magazine named the Philadelphia institute a 'top deal,' and Wharton Business School named it the best language institute in town.

After her husband got his MBA from Wharton, the couple decided it was her turn to decide where they would settle. She picked Los Angeles, where she set her sights on duplicating her success in Philadelphia.

'This was my dream,' she said. 'I realized I didn't have to be concerned about the many other private language schools out there, since no one else has the quality of teachers we have, or our affordability.'

Fallon – who no longer teaches classes herself, choosing instead to focus on running the business – places strong emphasis on the caliber of her school's teachers. She only hires instructors who have taught at the college level, and pays more than the industry standard to keep them happy. The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute has attracted instructors from USC and UCLA, ranging from the doctoral-student level to full professors. The institute also employs professors who are on hiatus or retired from university life, but who want to keep their hand in teaching.

Coupled with a traditional philosophy of teaching a balance of grammar, reading, writing and speaking skills and only using college-level textbooks, the institute has earned an outstanding reputation among academics. Both USC and UCLA recommend her language school, as do a variety of local consulates.

'The (Beverly Hills Lingual Institute) is a nice environment to work in, where students are very eager to learn and the environment is very well run,' said institute instructor Kurtulus Oztopcu, who has been a professor of Turkish at both UC Berkeley and UCLA.

Affordability and variety are the institute's other strongest selling points. A two-month term of weekly, 90-minute classes costs $200 for the more heavily subscribed classes of Spanish, French and Italian, and $250 for the almost 30 other languages offered – ranging from Tagalog and Vietnamese to Croatian and Persian.

Fallon has noticed some consistent trends emerging. Many record-industry executives are being drawn to study Spanish because new markets in Latin America are opening up for them. French, and to a lesser extent Italian, are very popular with people working in the movie industry because of all the movie deals coming out of Europe. Businessmen involved in import and export activity tend to study Asian languages.

'The Lingual Institute fills the perfect niche for me since it offers more serious language study than a place such as Berlitz can, while offering a more manageable work load and schedule than a UCLA Extension class can,' said Bob Schlesinger, a Chinese-language student and president of West L.A. import/export company RPI Inter-State. '(Fallon) has a great ability to provide what a student needs and wants.'

Classes never have more than eight students, guaranteeing the level of personal attention needed to effectively learn a language. Fallon has rarely cancelled a class due to under-attendance, preferring to take a loss rather than compromise the school's reputation.

Fallon plans to add another full-time employee soon, to help her out as the school continues to expand. She hopes to see the business grow to 500 students per term, and wants to expand into a bigger space in the Beverly Hills building that it currently occupies at 9601 Wilshire Blvd.

'The bottom line is that I'm having fun,' Fallon said, shrugging off the fact that she works 80-hour weeks as a matter of course. 'All the students here are so passionate about what they're studying. As an educator, how can I not thrive on that?'